HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans have won their first two games of the season and special teams have played a key role.
Jacoby Jones returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown in the opener against Indianapolis, and the Texans rank third in average yards per return (25.4). Danieal Manning, one of the team’s major offseason acquisitions, had a 46-yard kickoff return against the Colts and a 43-yarder in Houston’s 23-13 win at Miami on Sunday.
Rookie punter Brett Hartmann booted a team-record 69-yarder in Miami, and eight of his 12 kickoffs have been touchbacks. Neil Rackers is 5-for-5 on field-goal attempts.
Houston plays at New Orleans (1-1) this week.